Our Vision for Future Growth
“Immer Etwas Neues” – Always Something New
The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn is a progressive family-owned business that offers a resort destination with exceptional Lodging, Dining, Shopping, and Recreational experiences. Our mission statement and goal with every guest visit is to Create Enjoyable Experiences, whether you are traveling for business or fun. We look forward to growing our amenities and attractions in the coming years to elevate our level of fun and memory-making opportunities for our guests.
Our founder, William “Tiny” Zehnder, had a sign that adorned his office wall “This business shall continue forever”. This sign still hangs in Tiny’s Room at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. We believe this is true and are excited to share a glimpse of our vision with you.
Major Indoor Water Park Expansion Coming to Bavarian Inn Lodge
$80 million project will add 20-plus new attractions, including many water slides, wave pool and adult swim up bar
A major expansion of the Bavarian Inn Lodge, one of Frankenmuth’s major attractions, is underway and seeks to dramatically expand its water park amenities and Family Entertainment offerings. A groundbreaking ceremony took place in December for the $80 million project. When completed, the new amenities will make the Bavarian Inn Lodge Michigan’s largest indoor water park and family entertainment center, at more than 140,000 square feet of family fun.
The new expansion will open to guests in the spring of 2024, with some of the new family fun center areas opening in late fall of 2023. The General Contractor for the expansion is R.C. Hendrick & Son, Inc., who have built all previous six phases of the Lodge.
“We are truly raising the bar on fun at the Lodge, creating unique attractions and new types of experiences within our resort,” said Michael Keller Zehnder, President of the Bavarian Inn Lodge. “This expansion will help us to advance our goal of creating fun and enjoyable experiences for all ages. We are reimagining family fun and see this as an exciting project for all of Frankenmuth.”
The current Family Fun Center will remain in operation throughout the project, said Zehnder, with no disruptions to the Lodge’s conference and banquet center, guest rooms and all of the hotel amenities already in place, including current family water slides, pools and restaurants. More exciting details will be released throughout the stages of construction.
In Progress
Water Park Expansion
Major indoor water park expansion equivalent to 3 football fields coming to Bavarian Inn Lodge. $80 million project will add 20-plus new attractions, including many water slides, wave pool and adult swim up bar.
Family Fun Center Expansion
Renovations of Bavarian Inn Castle Shop
The Gift Shop and Souvenirs & Cheers shop will be getting major renovations done to improve guest experiences. From renovating the ceilings, to new air ducts, fresh paint, lighting and more, these shops will be looking brand new by early April 2023.
Take Out Remodel at Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Our Takeout Area will be revamped with adding a HVAC system, fresh coats of paint, new drop ceiling, and murals to complete the look! This should be finished by 2024.
Recently Completed
What’s Ahead
New Events
The Big Bounce America
A new event hosted by Frankenmuth River Place Shops on August 10-12, 2023. Frankenmuth River Place Shops is excited to bring The Big Bounce America, home of the only Guinness-certified world record holder of The World’s Largest Bounce House, right here in Frankenmuth, MI this August.
